Family of 14 arrested for drug trafficking

A two-month investigation showed the family operated in the north part of southeastern Minas Gerais state for at least four years, a police official said.

The leader of the gang was identified as Mauricio Marcos da Silva, whose parents, siblings, in-laws and nephews were also involved in the illegal trade, the police said.

Silva’s mother, 75-year-old Maria da Silva, and his youngest nephew, aged 10, were responsible for delivering drugs to clients. Silva’s father and one of his brothers, Jose Marcos da Silva, had already been arrested for drug trafficking.

The gang was arrested when they were receiving about $88,800 worth of marijuana and crack, the police said.